Piazza Michelangelo

Piazza Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno
River, just east of the center of Florence. Designed in 1869 by
Poggi, it offers a great view of the city, and is a very popular
tourist destination.

Steps climb up the west side of the hill to the piazza.

To the southwest is a stone wall.

At the top is the piazza, filled with tourists, vendors, and
a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David.

The view west, down the Arno. The three bridges are the
Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa Trinita, and Ponte Alla Carraia.

Looking northwest, the clock tower from the Palazzo Vecchio
(1200s) and Brunelleschi's dome atop the Duomo cathedral (1400s)
rise above the city skyline.

Turning northward, the Duomo and Santa Croce church. You can
see how the white facade of Santa Croce contrasts with the rest
of the building.

To the north, Santa Croce and Templo Israelitico.

And northeast, the newer parts of the city spread toward
the hills.

The Arno stretches upriver to the east. The first
bridge, S. Niccolo, is near the closest supermarket. The
second bridge, Ponte da Verrazzano, is near the big
hardware store.

Most of the Piazza Michelangelo is just a parking lot.

Across the street was an upscale open-air cafe, with a
Ferrari in the lot.

A short path from the Piazza leads to this area for skating.
Entrance to this area costs 6000 lire.

The area also has soccer courts.

Viale Michelangelo to the east of the Piazza.

Some benches, and the piazza in the background.

Another view of Viale Michelangelo.

East of the piazza, villas line the ridge tops.

Another villa, on a prime hill overlooking Florence.

A road winds up the steep front of the hill to the Piazza.

And stairs climb up the front hill.

A constant flow of water from a creek has caused these
stalactites to start forming on the arches over the years.

The tower in Piazza Poggi, at the base of the hill upon which
sits Piazza Michelangelo.

Looking up inside the tower, you can see three soccer balls
wedged between wooden beams.